By Johnathan Paoli
The Presidency has confirmed that the inaugural National Dialogue Convention will proceed as scheduled on 15–16 August, despite concerns over costs, organisational readiness, and the withdrawal of several prominent legacy foundations from its preparatory structures
In a detailed statement on Sunday, the Presidency said all budgetary processes for the National Dialogue Convention comply with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and that measures are in place to minimise the financial burden on the state.
“The National Convention must happen so that South Africa’s people can take ownership and control of the National Dialogue. Invitations have gone out to organisations across the country, and delegates are preparing to attend. It is at the National Convention that the people of South Africa will take over and run with the National Dialogue process,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, has been coordinating the government’s role, mobilising resources, and managing costs. In a major cost-saving measure, the University of South Africa (UNISA) will host the event free of charge, providing plenary venues, overflow areas with live streaming, 10 breakaway rooms, a dining area, workspaces, and an operations centre active since last week.
UNISA will also provide catering, ushers, audio-visual services, printed discussion documents, signage, conference bags, stationery, and Wi-Fi. Funding for the event will come from the existing budgets of NEDLAC and the Presidency, covering secretariat support, communications, and logistics.
These departments will be reimbursed later this year through the Adjustments Budget.
Additional cost reductions have come through donations, including for the National Dialogue’s digital platform, and in-kind contributions such as public viewing screens and transport services.
The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty around the readiness of the Preparatory Task Team (PTT) to host the convention.
Some members had argued for a postponement, citing organisational challenges and insufficient preparation for the public dialogues that will follow.
The disagreements have led to the withdrawal of the Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko, Desmond and Leah Tutu, and FW de Klerk Foundations from the PTT and from direct involvement in the convention’s organisation.
Despite these setbacks, President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed that the gathering will proceed as planned, calling it a critical moment for citizen-led engagement.
“The National Convention must happen so that South Africa’s people can take ownership and control of the National Dialogue. Ever since we announced the date, South Africans from all parts of society have been getting ready to take part in the local conversations that will follow,” he said.
The president met last week with the Co-Chairs, Deputy Chairs, and Secretary of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), a collective of respected figures appointed as volunteer guarantors of the dialogue process.
The EPG emphasised the need for inclusivity, credibility, improved coordination, and stronger communication in the run-up to the convention.
EPG Co-Chairperson Tinyiko Maluleke, described the dialogue as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring all South Africans together to resolve our challenges and build a better future.”
He reiterated the group’s commitment to using their influence to ensure the convention establishes a strong foundation for a sustained national conversation.
Around 200 organisations from 33 sectors are expected to attend the convention, where delegates will promote the importance of the National Dialogue, identify key discussion themes, set the methodology for community-level dialogues, and appoint a broadly representative Steering Committee to coordinate implementation.
The presidency confirmed that the convention organising team has been restructured and bolstered by civil society partners to address the PTT’s shortcomings.
Public dialogues will follow the convention, taking place in local communities and across various sectors nationwide.
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